Fixed-term: The funds for this studentship are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Magnetic skyrmions are an extraordinary magnetic phenomena that can be thought of as topological defects in the magnetic texture of certain materials. Cambridge is a key member of the EPSRC-funded UK-wide magnetic skyrmion project (https://www.skyrmions.ac.uk/) which aims to understand at a fundamental level the structure and dynamics of skyrmions and to develop novel magnetic devices. The project student will be an integral part of the Cambridge team collaborating with four other UK institutes to investigate the fundamental physical behaviour of magnetic skyrmions.

The project will involve TEM-based Lorentz imaging of skyrmion materials and devices using the FIB to create prototype structures. Low temperature in situ microscopy will correlate structures and composition with skyrmion lattice development and understanding better the dynamics of skrymion motion and order/disorder transitions using applied magnetic fields and electrical bias. The project will also involve micromagnetic simulations, image processing and big data analysis. Skyrmionic materials will be readily available through the Programme grant consortium.

The minimum academic requirement for admission is an upper second class UK honours degree at the level of MSci, MEng, MPhys, MChem etc, or a lower second with a good Master's, (or overseas equivalents) in a relevant subject.

The studentship provides a maintenance grant at the minimum Research Council UK rate and tuition fees at the UK/EU rate for students who fully satisfy the residence requirements of the UK Research Councils. A fees-only award will be available to EU nationals who are not ordinarily resident in the UK. Students who are liable for fees at the 'overseas' rate are not eligible for these studentships.